2014 MEDALLION CEREMONYFriday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.

The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College Medallion Ceremony is the academic event HC students experience before attending their official Commencement Ceremony in Boca Raton. Each spring, graduating seniors attend this symbolic ceremony where the seniors' theses advisors bestow an Honors College Medallion upon the student. This event includes a student address and a presentation of academic and student awards.

The 2014 Boca Commencement Ceremony will be on Friday, May 2 at 1:00 pm in the Carol and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus.

Who can participate?

Students who graduated in Fall 2013 or who applied for Spring 2014 graduation are eligible to participate in the Medallion Ceremony.

Students who are within six credits of graduation (coursework, thesis, internship, etc.) and can complete these requirements by the end of Summer 2014 are also eligible to participate, but they need clearance from David Flanigan, Associate Director of Academic Services.

How is this different from a graduation ceremony?

The Medallion Ceremony recognizes special achievements of students at the Honors College by awarding them with a special Honors Medallion and a certificate acknowledging their thesis work. The certificate is not an official graduation document. Degrees are symbolically conferred during the Commencement Ceremony only. There is no degree-granting component in the Medallion Ceremony.

It is important to understand that attending either ceremony does not guarantee that students will actually receive the degree. The official diploma is sent by mail at a later date, after all grades have been posted and academic requirements have been verified.

Why do I have to wear the university cap and gown during the Medallion Ceremony?

All faculty members are robed in their regalia during the Medallion Ceremony. Wearing the university cap and gown ensures that all students are observing the pomp and circumstance normally associated with graduation events. Borrowing a gown from another student is acceptable only if the style is identical to the one worn at FAU in the current year.

Why should I participate in the official graduation ceremony?

While the Medallion Ceremony is a more intimate gathering with all your friends, classmates, faculty, and family members, the Commencement Ceremony is an opportunity for the Honors College students to be recognized in front of the entire FAU community; a chance to shine by being acknowledged for special achievements and outstanding academic success. By participating in the Commencement Ceremony, students contribute to the increased visibility and positive image of the Honors College among the other academic colleges at FAU. Additionally, only students who participate will receive a stole. Bus transportation will be provided for students and their guests from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

How can I fill out the Round-up Form if I do not yet know all the information that is requested?

It is important to fill out the form to the best of your ability by the deadlines as this helps the HC staff to prepare for the Medallion Ceremony in a timely manner. Only students who submit their Round-up Form prior to the Senior Round-up Meeting (The Round-up meeting is on March 26th @ 9 pm in the Dining Hall), will be able to receive their Medallion Ceremony tickets during the meeting. The last day to submit your round-up form is April 21.

Why can I only get five tickets for the Medallion Ceremony? Why do I need tickets anyway? How can I get more?

Around 75 students are expected to participate in the Medallion Ceremony this year. The auditorium has to accommodate the students, faculty, staff and outside VIPs such as donors and benefactors, as well as family and friends of the graduating class. Tickets ensure that all students get a fair share of seats in the auditorium for their family and friends. If you need more than five tickets, talk to other graduating students as many of them may not need all of their tickets.

Seniors, please fill out this form below if you plan to participate in the Medallion Ceremony. This will let us know what information to use to describe you in the program, how many tickets you will need, and what you will be up to once you graduate. Questions? Problems with the form? Email honorscollege@fau.edu.

IMPORTANT DATES & TIMES

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Last day to reply to theOffice of the Registrarconfirmation email that you intend to participate in the Commencement Ceremony in Boca Raton.

March 26th

9:00 pm - Dining Hall

Senior Round-up Meeting - Please attend as photos for the program will be taken at this time. Only students who submit their Round-up Form prior to the meeting will be able to receive their Medallion Ceremony tickets during the meeting.

Final signed theses are due to David Flanigan in HC 132. Please submit the theses, binding receipt, and thesis release form in a covered box labeled with the student's name. University policy stipulates that only one thesis will be bound by the university so you only need to pay for one. You must arrange to have any additional binding done on your own. See Honors Theses for forms and information.

Commencement Ceremony begins - Buses will depart for MacArthur campus in Jupiter 15 minutes after the ceremony. Other important deadlines and more information can be found at theOffice of the Registrar.